Player & Pitcher Of The Week

The rains finally broke long enough to allow the Knights to scrimmage twice this week giving Thomas Huggins and Johnny Aguilar the opportunity to stand out as this weeks player and pitcher of the week.

Huggin's week is even more impressive considering the adversity he's been dealing with since May. During the RRAC conference tournament Huggins was chasing a foul ball when the wet turf below him gave way, resulting in a badly broken leg. Thomas quickly underwent surgery where a metal rod and several screws were used to put his leg back together. He then spent the summer rehabbing. When he returned to Northwood this fall he was still on crutches. After continued rehab and limited practice he made his intrasquad debut this week. It didn't take him long to pick up where he left off, going 3 for 6 with a double while playing great defense at firstbase. Huggins is looking to improve on his '09 season that garnered him 1st team RRAC honors.

Pitcher of the week Johny Aguilar is in his first season with the Knights. Aguilar spent last season at Paul Quinn College, a former RRAC foe that recently dropped their program. Aguilar pitched 2 scoreless innings giving up just one hit. Aguilar is in a very competitive battle to earn a role on the Knight's pitching staff this spring.

South Grand Prairie's Isaac Maturino Inks With Knights

South Grand Prairie's standout shortstop, Isaac Maturino, is the first Knight signee for the 2010-2011 season. Maturino has been a fixture in the SGPHS lineup since he was a freshman.

Maturino is looking to improve on his junior campaign which garnered him 7-5A all district honors. His offensive MVP year resulted in a district championship as he lead all of 5A baseball with 42 RBI.

Not only is Maturino a standout on the field, he also enjoys success in the classroom carrying a 3.65 grade point average.

Coach Pat Malcheski Honored

Former Knights Baseball Coach and current Athletic Director, Pat Malcheski was honored for both his contributions on the field and in the AD Chair.

Malcheski was first honored for his coaching accolades as he had his number 2 retired. Malcheski lead the Knights for 19 years. During that time he saw the Knights transition from a NCJAA school to an NAIA member. During his 19 years he won over 600 games including a RRAC Championship in his final year at the helm.

Malcheski saw 13 of his players drafted while 24 signed professional contracts. Many of his players and coaches have went on to coaching careers including Texas A&M skipper Rob Childress and his assistant Matt Deggs.

While serving as athletic director, Malcheski has seen the athletic department honored for both its athletic and academic accomplishments. Malcheski has been selected as Regional Athletic Director of the Year the past two years. Ironically, Malcheski has had a hand in starting every sport at Northwood except for baseball.

For his accomplishments as both Head Baseball Coach and Athletic Director, Malcheski was honored by being selected as the first inductee into the Northwood Athletic Hall Of Fame.

Northwood University will officially induct Pat Malcheski into the Hall Of Fame on Saturday, January 16th.

Alumni Game Cancelled for 2009

The annual Northwood Baseball Alumni game has been cancelled for 2009 due to poor weather. The game will not be made up in '09.

Player and Pitcher of the Week

For the week of October 5-10 Anthony Washington and Garret Randle have been named player and pitcher of the week.

Washington was 4 for 6 on the week with a walk off grand slam on monday.

Washington is a senior center fielder from Duncanville, Tx. He joined the Knights midway through the 08-09 school year after playing at Navarro Junior College. Anthony saw limited action on 08 as he backed up RRAC Player of the Year RJ Harris. In limited at bats Washington managed a .300 batting average, mainly in pinch hitting duties. Washington is currently competing for the starting centerfield job.

Randle pitched 2 inning of hitless baseball in his outing this week. Randle faced just six batters, striking out 3 while inducing 3 groundballs. Randle has showed great improvement so far in his junior campaign after spending this summer in the New York Collegiate Baseball League.

Randle is entering his 3rd year with the Knights program after coming over from Nemitz High School in Irving, Tx. Last spring Randle was 4-3 with an 8.55 ERA in seven starts and 10 relief appearances. Garret is competing this fall to regain a spot in the starting rotation.

Alumni Game Rescheduled

The Northwood University Baseball Alumni Game was been rescheduled due to rain. The game will be played Saturday, October 10th at 1pm. Highlighting the event will be the retiring of Russell Lewis's # 1 Jersey. Lewis is the career home run record holder at Northwood University.

Practice Player and Pitcher Of The Week

Justin Keithley is this weeks Practice Player of the Week. Justin's .600 batting average for the week ranked him first on the team. One of those hits being a triple.

Keithley is a senior transfer from Sam Houston State University. While at SHSU he managed to hit just over .300 mostly out of the leadoff position. Before attending SHSU he was a two year standout at Richland College. Keithley was the three whole hitter for the Ducks when they won the NJCAA D3 World Series in 2008.

Keithley attended Oakridge High school in Arlington where he was a All-State selection all four years. He was also named the MVP of his high school team.

Keithley is a solid defender in the outfield and will hold down left or center field in the spring.

Sean Ayala is this weeks Practice Pitcher of the Week. Sean pitched two scoreless innings while facing just one hitter over the minimum. Ayala had one strike out and induced four weakly hit ground balls.

Ayala is a sophomore, right handed pitcher from Fort Worth, TX. He attended North Central College in 08-09 where he saw limited action.

Ayala has been a nice surprise early on and will push for significant innings in the spring as his development continues.